Knockdown packing tray

ABSTRACT

A packing tray wherein the sides and ends, and the slats, utilized in forming the bottom and top thereof, are provided as a disassembled package and capable of being interlocked into a packing tray for goods of various types without utilizing nails, adhesive, or similar mechanical fastening means. The components are interlocked through the provision of dovetail locking heads on the opposite ends of selected components for reception within tapered openings provided in others of the components, the heads and openings being so configured as to provide a positive interlocking nested relationship therebetween whereby a high degree of stability is introduced.

United States Patent [72] Inventor John Athanasios Lipiros 1,086.95] 2/l9l4 Stocker 217/12UX 301 West 45th St., New York,N.Y. 10036 1,498,377 6/1924 Honigbaum. 2l7/43 [2 l Appl. No. 801,736 3,204,803 9/l965 Sandkuhle 217/12 [5%] :iled d Feb. :2, Primary Examiner-Raphael H. Schwartz I I ArtorneysClarence A. O'Brien and Harvey B. Jacobson ABSTRACT: A packing tray wherein the sides and ends, and [54] KNOFKDOWN lfAclilNc TRAY the slats, utilized in forming the bottom and top thereof, are

6 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs.

provided as a disassembled package and capable of being in- [521 1.8. CI terlocked into a packing tray for goods of various ty e l 2 without utilizing nails, adhesive, or similar mechanical fasten- [5 l lnt. means The omponents are interlocked through the [50] Field Of Search 217/43, 44, provision of dovetail locking heads on the opposite ends of 32.46/21 26 selected components for reception within tapered openings provided in others of the components, the heads and openings [56] References Clted being so configured as to provide a positive interlocking UNlTED STATES PATENTS nested relationship therebetween whereby a high degree of 682.306 9/1901 Woolsey 2l7/3lX stability is introduced.

PATENTEDJANZBISYI 3,557,990

SHEET 2 OF 2 John Afhanasios L ipiras 76 IN VIL'N'I'OK.

A nanny:

KNOCKDOWN PACKING TRAY The instant invention is generally concerned with packing trays for goods of various types, including vegetables, poultry, meat, fish, plants, flowers, etc. More particularly, the invention is concerned with such trays which are collapsible into a stack of flat boardlike members having no lateral projections,

It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a packing case which can be stored and shipped in a completely collapsed or knocked down condition so as to effect a substantial saving in shipping costs and avoid having to ship bulky empty trays.

In conjunction with the above object, it is a significant object of the instant invention to provide a collapsible packing tray wherein no external mechanical fasteners are required to assemble the tray when the use thereof is desired.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also a significant object of the instant invention that the components, while flat so as to stack neatly and compactly when disassembled, be so configured as to make the assembly thereof a simple task with the assembled tray having the components positively interlocked so as to define a rigid construction.

The above objects are achieved through the provision of a pair of side components provided with a plurality of openings therethrough, a pair of end components, each including a projecting head on both ends thereof for an interlocking engagement within the endmost holes of the side components, and a plurality of slats, similarly provided with heads for an interlocking engagement with the intermediate holes in the side components, orientated so as to define either just a bottom or both a bottom and a top, depending upon the particular use to which the tray is to be put. lncidently, as will be appreciated. the components or members of the tray can be made of any suitable rigid material, including wood, plastic, metal. rigid cardboard, or the like. Depending upon the cost of the particular materials involved, the tray can actually be disposable, that is inexpensive enough so as to be discarded after a single use. This latter feature is significant in avoiding the transporting of, as an example, diseases from one garden to another when the trays are utilized to transport plants. The actual interlock provided between the elements is achieved through the utilization of a dovetail shape locking head received within a triangular shaped opening whereby the converging sides of the head cooperate with the diverging sides of the opening in effecting a proper positioning of the head within the opening and a firm interlock therebetween.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an assembled tray in accordance with the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 2--2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse crosssectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 33 in FIG. I;

FIG. 4 isa perspective detail illustrating the initial insertion of the locking head of one of the slats within the corresponding side member opening;

FIG. 5 is a perspective detail of a slat locking head seated in locked position within the side member opening;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a seated locking head;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 8 is a view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 88 in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 99 in FIG. 8.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral I0 is used to designate an assembled packing tray constructed in accordance with the instant invention. This tray I0 includes three basic types of components or members, each in the nature of a flat panel. Such components consist of opposed side members 12, end members 14. and slats 16 used to define the bottom ofthe tray 10.

Each of the side members or components I2 is provided with a pair of generally horizontally orientated triangular openings 18 at the opposite ends thereof slightly above midheight. The apex 20 ofeach ofthe triangular openings I8 is inwardly directed, with the sides 22 of the opening diverging outwardly therefrom and terminating in a base or base edge 24 paralleling the adjacent end 26 ofthe side member I2 which is slightly outwardly inclined from the vertical.

With reference to FIG. 3 in particular, each of the end members 14, in addition to including a central elongated handhold forming opening 28, is provided with end edges 30 which are inclined slightly outward from the perpendicular, generally corresponding to the outward inclination of the ends 26 of the side members I2. Projecting outwardly from each end 30 of each of the end members 14 is a coplanar locking head 32. Each of these locking heads 32 is of a generally dovetail configuration, including a flat outer end 34 and inwardly converging side edges 36 which either converge continuously to the end 30 of the end member 14, or terminate in parallel edge portions 38 of a length generally equal to the thickness of the side members 12.

In assembling the side members and end members, the side members 12 are maintained vertically while each end member 14 is initially positioned horizontally so as to introduce the locking heads 32 within the end openings I8 of the opposed side members 12. Upon an introduction of both locking heads 32 of one end member I4, the end member 14 is rotated to the vertical so as to seat the inner end portion of each locking head 32 against the corresponding opening base edge 24, the width of each locking head 32, at the inner end thereof. closely corresponding and being snugly received within the wide end of the corresponding opening 18 against the base edge 24 thereof. In this manner, inward movement of the end members cannot be effected unless the end members 14 are specifically rotated. Further, the taper of the locking head edges 36 is so related to the wide end of the opening I8 as to require a seating of the corresponding side member I2 snugly against the adjacent end member end 30 or what might be considered the shoulders formed to the opposite sides of the locking head on the main body position. As will be appreciated from the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, due to the slightly inclined end member ends 30, as well as the inclined opening base edge 24. Both the side members 12 and the end members 14 in the assembled tray will flare slightly in an upward direction so as to provide a wide mouth for facilitating the loading of the tray. Further, it should be appreciated that the diverging sides 22 of the opening 18 cooperate with the converging sides 36 of the corresponding locking head 32 in guiding and camming the locking head 32 into proper seated position within the opening 18 upon a twisting of the end member 14 from the horizontal to the vertical. This latter feature shall be described in more detail subsequently with regard to the slats 16.

Each of the floor or bottom defining slats also includes a locking head 40 at each end thereof. These heads 40 are similar to the heads 32 in that each includes a flat outer end 42 and inwardly converging sides 44 which either extend completely to the main body 46 of the corresponding slat 16 or terminate in short parallel portions 48 of a length generally corresponding to the thickness of a side member 12. In this manner, a dovetail shaped locking member is defined in conjunction with a pair of opposed seating shoulders 50 to the opposite sides thereof on the corresponding end of the main body 46.

The two side members 12, in order to accommodate the locking heads 40 of the slats 16, are provided with a series of vertically orientated triangular openings 52 therethrough. Each of these openings 52 has an upwardly directed apex 54 and downwardly converging sides or side edges 56 which terminute in a horizontal base or base edge 58. The height of each opening 52 is such so as to allow the locking head 40 ofa slat 116, or for that matter the main body 46 of the slat l6, to pass completely therethrough. The width of each opening 52, however, is, adjacent the base 58 thereof, of a width sufficient only so as to accommodate the locking head 40 at the inner end portion thereof, immediately adjacent the opposed shoul ders 50. Thus, a positioning of each slat 16 involves an introduction of the vertically orientated locking heads through an opposed pair of openings 52, and a subsequent rotation of the slat 16 to the horizontal, thus seating each locking head within the corresponding opening 52 at the bottom thereof. Any vertical displacement of the slat 16 is precluded by the upwardly converging sides 56 of the opening 52 whereby a removal of a slat 16 would require a specific rotation of the slat to a vertical orientation. Of particular significance with regard to the seating of the slats is the cooperation provided between the converging edges 44 of each locking head 40 and the diverging edges 56 of the corresponding opening 52. These two pairs of edges will, as should be appreciated from FIG. 4, cooperate with each other in properly drawing the locking head 40 through the opening 52 while simultaneously drawing the side member 12 inwardly into positive seated engagement against the shoulders 50 upon a rotation of the slat 16. With particular reference to FIG. 4, it will be noted that the locking head 40 need only be partially introduced through the corresponding opening 52, after which the rotation of the slat 16, brings the edges 44 into engagement with the edges 56 whereby a continued rotation of the slat 16 will result in a downward sliding of the locking head 40 in conjunction with an inward drawing of the side member l2 until both the head and side member are properly and firmly seated in the position indicated in FIG. 5. It will of course be appreciated that the above-described interlock between the end members 14 and the side members 12 is effected in a similar manner.

When assembled in the above manner, it will be appreciated that, not withstanding the fact that no external mechanical fasteners are utilized, and all of the components consist in effect of flat elongated strips of material, a highly rigid packing tray has been formed within which goods can be easily loaded and which itself can be easily carried and subsequently simply disassembled for storage purposes Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, a modified embodiment has been illustrated therein. The tray 60, of this embodiment, differs from the tray 10 in that the side and end members 62 and 64 are completely perpendicular, rather than slightly outwardly inclined as was the case with members 12 and 14 of the tray [0. Notwithstanding this, the interlock between the end members 64 and the side members 62 is, aside from the absence of the inclined portions, the same as that described in detail supra, including triangular openings 66 in the side members 62 and dovetail shaped locking heads 68 on the end members 64, requiring a horizontal insertion, as suggested in phantom lines in FIG. 8, and a subsequent rotation to the vertical to achieve the desired interlock.

The only significant difference between the tray 60 and the tray 10 is the incorporation, in the tray 60, of a top in addition to the bottom. In both cases, slats 70 are utilized which are substantial duplicates of the slats 16, the slats 70 which define the top being accommodated in an upper series of openings 72 which are inverted relative to the lower series of openings 72 which are inverted to the lower series of openings 74. This lower series of openings 74 are in turn duplicates of the opening 52 in the side members 12 of the tray 10. In view of the close nesting relationship between the inner end portion of each locking head 76 on the upper slats 70, and the upwardly directed base end 78 of the upper openings 72, once the top slats 70 are rotated from the vertical, as illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 8, to the horizontal, these upper slats 70 will be locked into position with downward movement thereof being precluded in the absence of a positive twisting of the upper slats 70 to the vertical. These upper slats 70 will of course be mounted subsequent to a loading of the tray so as to define a cover or top panel therefor.

While not specifically detailed with regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. it will be appreciated that the interlocks therefor utilize dovetail shaped locking heads and triangular openings whereby the desired double camming action, described particularly with regard to the showings in FIGS. 4 and 5, will be utilized to firmly seat and interlock the con ponents.

From the foregoing. it will be recognized that a unique knock-down packing tray has been defined wherein the components thereof can, prior to assembly, or after disassembly, be bundled into a narrow flat package which substantially reduces shipping costs. The ultimate user of the tray can in turn quickly and easily assemble the components, using no external fastening means, so as to provide a rigid packing tray within which goods of substantially any type can be loaded for shipping or storage purposes.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

I claim:

I. A knockdown packing tray comprising side components, end components and bottom defining slat components, selected ones of said components including a main body por tion and outwardly directed locking heads on the opposite ends thereof, each locking head comprising a wide outer end and a narrow inner end at the corresponding end of said main body portion, and opposed sides converging from the wide outer end to the narrow inner end at the main body portion, the end of the main body portion adjacent each locking head projecting laterally beyond the narrow inner end of the corresponding locking head to both sides thereof to define a pair of opposed bearing shoulders, the remainder of said components including openings therethrough for the reception of the locking heads upon a predetermined arrangement of the components to define a tray, said openings being triangular in shape, each including an apex end with opposed sides diverging from the apex end to a wide base end, the base end of each opening being of a length corresponding to the width of the narrow inner end of the associated locking head whereby upon a positioning of the locking head with the narrow inner end thereof parallel to and at the base end of the associated opening, withdrawal of the locking head is precluded, each opening being of a height between the apex end and base end sufficient so as to allow passage of the associated locking head therethrough upon an orientation of the locking head substantially perpendicular to the apex end.

2. The tray of claim 1 wherein the converging sides of each locking head and the diverging sides of the associated opening cooperate, upon an engagement therebetween, in camming the head into position as the head is rotated from the inserting position perpendicular to the apex end to the seated position parallel to the base end, the component having the opening therein, upon a seating of the head at the base end of the opening, moving against the shoulders defined to the opposite sides of the locking head,

3. The tray of claim 2 wherein the components having the openings therethrough comprise the two side components.

4. The tray of claim 3 wherein the openings comprise a pair of horizontal openings in each side member, one such horizontal opening at each end of each side member, said horizontal openings being orientated with the apex ends inwardly directed toward each other, said openings being located at approximately midheightbetween the lower and upper edges of the side members, said openings also including a series of vertically orientated openings at spaced points along each side member adjacent the lower edge thereof, said vertical openings being orientated with the apex ends upward, the components having the locking heads comprising the end components and the bottom-defining slat components, the vertical openings receiving the locking heads of the bottomand top-defining slat components having locking heads received in the last-mentioned vertical openings defining a slatted top for the tray.

6. The tray of claim 4 wherein the converging sides of each locking head converge inwardly toward each other to a point spaced outwardly from the main body portion a distance substantially equal to the width ofa side component. 

1. A knockdown packing tray comprising side components, end components and bottom defining slat components, selected ones of said components including a main body portion and outwardly directed locking heads on the opposite ends thereof, each locking head comprising a wide outer end and a narrow inner end at the corresponding end of said main body portion, and opposed sides converging from the wide outer end to the narrow inner end at the main body portion, the end of the main body portion adjacent each locking head projecting laterally beyond the narrow inner end of the corresponding locking head to both sides thereof to define a pair of opposed bearing shoulders, the remainder of said components including openings therethrough for the Reception of the locking heads upon a predetermined arrangement of the components to define a tray, said openings being triangular in shape, each including an apex end with opposed sides diverging from the apex end to a wide base end, the base end of each opening being of a length corresponding to the width of the narrow inner end of the associated locking head whereby upon a positioning of the locking head with the narrow inner end thereof parallel to and at the base end of the associated opening, withdrawal of the locking head is precluded, each opening being of a height between the apex end and base end sufficient so as to allow passage of the associated locking head therethrough upon an orientation of the locking head substantially perpendicular to the apex end.
 2. The tray of claim 1 wherein the converging sides of each locking head and the diverging sides of the associated opening cooperate, upon an engagement therebetween, in camming the head into position as the head is rotated from the inserting position perpendicular to the apex end to the seated position parallel to the base end, the component having the opening therein, upon a seating of the head at the base end of the opening, moving against the shoulders defined to the opposite sides of the locking head.
 3. The tray of claim 2 wherein the components having the openings therethrough comprise the two side components.
 4. The tray of claim 3 wherein the openings comprise a pair of horizontal openings in each side member, one such horizontal opening at each end of each side member, said horizontal openings being orientated with the apex ends inwardly directed toward each other, said openings being located at approximately midheight between the lower and upper edges of the side members, said openings also including a series of vertically orientated openings at spaced points along each side member adjacent the lower edge thereof, said vertical openings being orientated with the apex ends upward, the components having the locking heads comprising the end components and the bottom-defining slat components, the vertical openings receiving the locking heads of the bottom-defining slat components for formation of a bottom for the tray, the horizontal openings receiving the locking heads of the end components, said end components, upon installation, being generally vertically orientated, as are the side components.
 5. The tray of claim 4 including a second series of vertical openings through each side component, said second series of vertical openings being adjacent the upper edges of the side components and having the apex ends downwardly directed, and top-defining slat components having locking heads received in the last-mentioned vertical openings defining a slatted top for the tray.
 6. The tray of claim 4 wherein the converging sides of each locking head converge inwardly toward each other to a point spaced outwardly from the main body portion a distance substantially equal to the width of a side component. 